A total 689 athletes from Edo are to compete in the National Sports Festival slated for March next year.
At least 8,000 athletes in total are expecting from across the country to compete for medals.
- Zamfara Bandits: We banned mining activities in areas we operate
- ‘How hoodlum killed Police officer in Isiala Mbano attack’
Edo state deputy governor Philip Shuaibu, who also chairs the festival’s local organisation committee, briefed journalists on Edo’s preparation for the festival, saying Edo was hosting to win.
Some 14,000 athletes were billed to participate in the festival before it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since then the number of athletes has been whittled down to 8,000. Edo alone has 236 officials for the festival.
“We are ready for the event, we have made the necessary preparation before it was postponed. Now, the minister has assured us that the federal government has approved fund for the festival,”
He noted that the state is counting on the assurance of president Muhammad Buhari, for the event, saying that the money should be released early to enable them commence preparation in earnest.
According to him, all the participating athletes and officials are requested to take COVID-19 test before participating in the event.
Shaibu further disclosed that Nigeria’s contingents to the Olympics in Tokyo will be camped in Edo state due to its training facilities.
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
